EU antitrust regulators delay Google adtech fine as they await lower US car tariffs: sources

"The executive European Commission last week proposed to scrap tariffs on imported US industrial goods and it expects an announcement soon from the US on its promised cut in US tariffs on European cars to 15% from 27.5%. Google is said to face a modest fine by the European Union for allegedly favoring its own advertising services over rivals following a four-year long investigation."

"Google was told on Friday that EU antitrust chief Teresa Ribera would announce the fine on Monday but the announcement was not made and no explanation was given to the company, another source said. One of the sources said the delay was not expected to last more than a month and three said it was caused by EU trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic asking questions about Ribera's decision without commenting on the delay's length."

EU antitrust regulators delayed announcing a fine on Google related to its adtech business while awaiting a US reduction of tariffs on European cars to 15% from 27.5% under a trade agreement. The European Commission recently proposed scrapping tariffs on imported US industrial goods and expects a US announcement soon on the car tariff cut. Sources indicated the delay may be brief and involved questions from EU trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic about the antitrust chief’s decision. Germany’s Monopolies Commission expressed concern about the precedent for antitrust independence. The Commission and Google declined to comment.

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